This week is the one year anniversary of beginning this fiasco of a war. Here are a few facts maybe you can use somewhere: The casualty count is still rising daily. 650 Coalition troops (including over 550 American service people) have been killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and over 3,200 have been .of Iraqis have also been killed and injured. The price for all military families is high., National Guard members and their families are being hit especially hard.           Soon, 40% of all troops serving in Iraq will be either reservists or National Guard members [LA Times, 2/22/04].of these soldiers thought they would be serving overseas for six months., they're being told they'll be spending a year or more in Iraq.of had less than a week's notice to prepare for this separation          [Washington Post, 1/21/04]. of reservists and Guard members don't have the established support resources that families of full-time soldiers have at bases.of these families will have to get by on less since reservists and Guard members often receive less money for their service than their regular jobs pay. The Bush administration has not been up-front with the American people about the reasons for going to war, or about the costs of the war. the run-up to the war, President Bush said that the United States "must not ignore the treat gathering against us.clear evidence peril, we cannot wait for the final proof - the smoking gun - that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud... We have every reason to the worst, and we have an urgent duty to prevent the worst from occurring." [Washington Post, 1/28/2002] That was not the message that he was getting from the intelligence .'s what CIA Director George Tenet said about the Intelligence Estimate on Iraq, which summarized the pre-war of the intelligence community: "Let me be clear: analysts on several important aspects of these programs, and those debates were spelled out in the Estimate.never said there was an 'imminent' threat." [Transcript of 2/5/04 speech at Georgetown ]           Pentagon's year 2005 budget doesn't contain any money for          military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan. The White House won't ask Congress that money until January 2005 - after the November presidential election. [Knight Rider Newspapers, 2/11/04]           The Bush administration needs to face accountability for its actions, rather than looking for congratulations from Congress. Bush's own top weapons inspector, David Kay, called on the administration to admit that there are no weapons of mass destruction, "I think in this case, the evidence is out there to extent that the president really needs to say to the American people, 'We made a mistake.'" [NBC News 3/15/04]Congress has the responsibility to hold the President Bush accountable for his actions, and should censure him for misleading the American .                                          Keith Lahti          CHATTER 3           Dear Mr. Waddell,           There seems to be some confusion as to what a senior center is or what qualifies you as a senior center director. First off the following services must be provided to refer to a building as a senior center: homemaker services, chore services, day care, letter reading and writing, transportation, community care, wavier and respite as a few examples. To refer to a building as a nutrition site the only service that is provided is nutrition. Can the Clay (Putnam) Nutrition Center say they provide any other service in Clay County. Also to refer to oneself as a Senior Center Director, you must first work for a Senior Center that receives funding through the Appalachian Area Agency on Aging, carry the title of IIIB Project Director submit reports to the Appalachian Area Agency on Aging and to the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services. I feel that you know the difference between a site manage and an executive director or a senior center director so please stop confusing the public. Of course the site manager of the nutrition center wouldn't make a six figure salary he has an executive director he answers to just like the rest of us little people. And to make the assumption that anyone that works for a Senior Center in Clay County makes a six figure salary only shows your ignorance. Our funding is put into services, not salaries, we are contracted to serve 1200 seniors a year, we provided services to more then that number. My question is how many seniors are provided some kind of services through the nutrition center?                                   Janet Fitzwater          CHATTER 4                    To The People of Clay County:           This is my first letter to a newspaper, but who knows maybe not my last. In the March 10, 2004, issue of the Clay county (Free Press), there was an article in the “t Impresses Me”column titled Uprising in the Assessors Office. Excuse me for the latter run-on sentence, but it seems like I have a lot to say.           First, I had journalism in school (some would say that was ancient history) but the spark of memory so to speak, from a learned institute that is to say, Clay County High School and Mrs. Jesse Linkinogger, taught me that journalism is the research and statement of the facts more commonly known as the truth.           Secondly, the Clay County “ree Press”and I emphasize “ree”should state the facts and maybe a little more research would not hurt.           Third, this is a “ree”country and everyone is given the right and privilege to run for office.           Fourth, I, Veronica Paxton Butcher, was not an employee of Suzanne “usie”Legg when I ran for Assessor, she and I both were employees at that time of Joyce Gibson, who ultimately decided to retire.           Fifth, I didn’ decide to run until “usie”Legg had made statements to other employees that she wasn’ going to run.           Sixth, there are three employees openly supporting Teresa Lane, which certainly should speak for itself. Also, some of the girls now in the assessors office were hired by “usie”Legg.           And last but not least some would probably say “uff said”sounding a little like the Mel Gibson look alike huh! But as Paul Harvey would say, if you knew the rest of the story you would really be amazed.           Oh! P.S. Teresa Lane is an excellent and knowledgeable employee, and I have not heard her bash anyone. And by the way some of the greatest good have come from uprisings, as a matter of fact, that is how we got this “ree”country.                          Sincerely,                          Veronica Paxton Butcher          CHATTER 5           Hi this is Keyota Braley. My husband Charles and I live at Ovapa. You think poor Burly Bragg got the run around you should hear what we went through. On Saturday morning March 6th our neighbor's dog (Jeffery Deyton's) came into our yard and attacked our kids dog whom we had had for eight years and killed it in front of our daughter. Our dog was not a small dog but neither was Mr. Deyton's(it is a Great Dane). My husband called the sheriff's office and they said they would come out. We waited to bury our dog because we thought someone was coming to see about this. Nothing happened. Referred to dog catcher who won't pick up an animal unless it's a stray. You would think there would be something you could do. My kids and my 80 year old mother-in-law are afraid of this big dog. I asked that the Deyton's get rid of the dog. Never heard back from them. Was told if the dog comes back to shoot it. I pray it doesn't. Mrs. Deyton works in the county clerk's office and is on maternity leave. My husband did call Matthew Bragg who lives here in the community for advice and I have to give him credit for referring him to the DNR and the dog catcher. Needless to say neither worked.                                 Keyota Braley                    Wrong Headed: Left or Right By Jim Chafin          Continued from our last issue, part 2:           A major shift in U.S. policy was under way…America was washing its hands of the conflict in Israel. Now we’ focus on Iraq. Powell said the sanctions were ineffective, that “e were playing into Saddam’ hands and losing support among the Iraqi people.” The sanctions needed to shift – “e need to strictly control the import of materials that might be used for weapons construction.” Even though Hussein had nearly $3 billion in his oil-for-food accounts at the United Nations, needed medicines and other essentials were not reaching the Iraqi people. Powell speculated, “his is not endearing us to the Iraqi people, whose support we’e hoping to elicit – if I understand our position correctly – to help overthrow the regime.” And Bush followed with, “hat’ the problem. The people need to be with us…we need to know more about this; and also his destructive weapons.”           Over the next few minutes, speculative, nonspecific talk rolled around the table about how to remedy inadequate intelligence, discover the nature of Saddam’ weapons program, and bomb selected Iraqi targets. Meeting time almost up, Bush handed out assignments: Powell would draw up new sanctions; Rumsfeld and Shelton should examine our military and south of Iraq; Tenet would report on how to improve our current intelligence; and O’eill would investigate how to financially squeeze the regime.           Ten days in, and it was about Iraq. What O’eill didn’ know, but suspected, the name of the game had been Iraq from day one. Indeed, news reports would surface in this country – originating in the London press – that stated Bush, his brother Jeb, Rove, Wolfowitz, and others had been planning a “egime change”prior to the inauguration. Walking back to his office, O’eill thought, “etting Hussein was now the administration’ focus, that much was already clear.” But ten years since the first Gulf War, Hussein seemed caged and defanged. Clearly there were many forces destabilizing the region, most particularly the Arab-Israeli conflict itself which we were now abandoning. With the administration at the start of its second week, O’eill wondered when, exactly, the whys – why Saddam, why now, and why was this central to U.S. interests – were to be discussed.           In 1998 Bush I introduced his son to Condoleeza Rice, a political science professor at Stanford University. The Texas governor was beginning to think about what it might mean to be president. Rice teamed up with Wolfowitz and others, and tutoring began. Richard Pearle, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, commented, “he first time I met Bush 43, I knew he was different. Two things became clear. One, he didn’ know much. The other was he had the confidence to ask questions that revealed he didn’ know very much…”           Rumsfeld, for his part, had been busy, and he distributed a lengthy memo discussing the effect of Clinton’ “rocurement holiday”on transport and weapons systems, and recommended an increase in defense spending of between $255 billion and $842 billion over the next five years. In the concluding section, “hat Are We Trying to Achieve?” there were general conclusions about how to sustain our ability to deter the use of WMDs and long-range missiles against the U.S. – a play for more money for missile defense systems – and then to “se our existing force structure to dissuade nations abroad from challenging our interests while we transform our armed forces to meet 21st century conditions.” The key word was “issuade.” Rumsfeld’ use of it made clear that he had started to plot coordinates for a global response, if not necessarily a solution. But how, O’eill wondered, could the United States dissuade other sovereign countries from being guided by a natural, inexorable growth in their own technological capabilities?           The next meeting of the National Security Council was called for 3 P.M. on Thursday, February 1, in the White House Situation Room. The purpose: to review the current state-of-play (including CIA briefing on Iraq) and to examine policy questions on how to proceed. In the rambling exchanges, certain items of interest were discussed, such as approaches to a possible regime change, war crimes initiatives, dealing with the Kurds, coalition military postures and redlines (policy not up for negotiation or compromise.)           Powell discussed the new strategy for “argeted sanctions.” But Rumsfeld interrupted, “anctions are fine – but what we really want to think about is going after Saddam.” He then launched into an assessment of the broader U.S. goal of getting rid of Saddam and replacing the current regime with one more inclined toward cooperative relations with the United States and its western allies. “magine what the regime would look like without Saddam and with a regime that’ aligned with U.S. interests…it would demonstrate what U.S. policy is all about.” Tenet talked about a coup and said the prospects for success were not particularly good.           O’eill thought about Rumsfeld’ memo. It described how everything fit together. The sudden focus on Saddam Hussein made sense only if the broader ideology – of a need to “issuade”others from creating asymmetric threats – were to be embraced. That was the “hy.” From the start, we were building the case against Hussein and looking at how we could take him out and change Iraq into a new country. And if we did that, it would solve everything. It was all about finding a way to do it. That was the tone of it, the President saying, “ine, go find me a way to do this.”          Editor’ note: This article will continue in our next edition                    DON GREENE: WV Radical NATIVE AMERICANS & US                  I said last issue that I wanted to talk a little about the Indians and my research, so here we go. Several years ago, after researching the pioneers of Mason County, I decided to look for the Indians that were in the Battle of Point Pleasant 1774. As I searched I began accumulating quite a list, so I expanded my searching to look for any and all Indians in the Ohio Valley from the 1700s. My search grew to include all the eastern tribes from that time. A natural side effect was getting to read lots of history from those early days, about both whites and Indians. Currently I am satisfied that I have identified over half the Indians from the battle and thousands more from the tribes east of the Mississippi in that time period.                  Through Internet contacts, I was offered the chance to put the Shawnee that I had on the net. They can be seen at www.shawnee-traditions.com/Names. If you are interested in the history of that time, the Shawnee or are thinking about a possible Shawnee ancestor, it is a good place to visit. It has been a voyage of discovery for me in many ways. Not only has my knowledge of the 1700s and 1800s grown greatly, but I've found some of my own Indian roots as well. I receive queries from all over the nation and world. It is rewarding trying to help these folks find their ancestors; sometimes it just clicks right into place but often we end up with as many new questions as we started with in the first place. There are bunches of people that trace their lines back to Cornstalk and Tecumseh, the two favorites for most people to claim connection to, but it usually ends up more of a fairy tale than real history. I'm still waiting for the kin of guys like Stinking Fish, Hog Head, Sour Mouth or Pig Smith to come forward. I'd also like to see some relatives of the Blacks among the tribes to show up.                  There were several tribes that moved around in West Virginia. Some had semi-permanent villages on our river-bottoms but most simply came here to hunt, trap or spend the summer raising their crops. The New River, from North Carolina to the Ohio, was a main trail that was used by both the northern and southern tribes, coming and going. This became important later, as the whites pressed further westward, coming in ever growing numbers and the treaties began to force the Indians westward. Many of the natives moved up the tributaries of the New/Kanawha and ended up on the wild and woolly frontier of West Virginia. With white clothes, religions, trades and names, oh, let's say like Waddell, they moved into our hollows and hills and became part of the history of WV. I am wrapping up a year-long updating of the Shawnee list, then maybe I can begin looking into the Diaspora of the Indians that chose to not be forced west but made West Virginia their home.                     INDICTMENTS RETURNED Others Walk Free and Clear                  Clay County’ March Grand Jury met on Tuesday and returned 9 of 10 presentations made by County Prosecutor Daniel Grindo. Those indicted: Glenn Tanner, Gary Rollins, Mark Stone, Dusty Pritt, Christopher Samples, Roger Dale Rogers, James Rogers II ( Don’ get excited James Rogers II, the name was listed wrong . Read on.), Zane Boggs and Melissa Drake.                  Those charged reported during arraignments March 18th at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Richard Facemire. We had a chance to sit in and provide the following account from that morning in court.                  With Judge Facemire on the bench, Bailiff O. Gene King, wide eyed and bushy tailed, a bunch of suits ready to ply their trade, all waited on Prosecutor Grindo. One attorney in the back was reading from a used farm equipment brochure. We waited….                  First up, 63 year old Zane Boggs with attorney Bill Martin in tow, not guilty to sexual abuse first degree. The Judge allowed the $20,000 bond and Boggs will get his day in court sometime during the next term of court at the Martin’ request.                  Glenn Tanner is in deep stuff. He was a no show. Attorney Wayne King informed the court that during earlier proceedings Tanner was no where to be seen and “e’ not in the county now…”Facemire revoked bond and an existing warrant remains in place. To Central Regional Jail he shall go!                  Goof up readers. Gary Rollins was not informed of the proceedings and will be arraigned March 25th at 9am                  As Mark Stone’ name was read Wayne King commented that he thought “hat was dismissed and Chris Samples, too.”With no free attorney appointed to Stone, Kevin Duffy took the short haired, t-shirt clad man over to the Circuit Clerk’ office to get proper paperwork completed.                  Clad in jeans and plaid shirt, Dusty Pritt went before the bench. Ditto, no court appointed attorney. Having said he would like an attorney, David Karickhoff took the young man to the side for signatures as Wayne King explained the Chris Samples indictment to Facemire. King said charges against Pritt had been dismissed and now the charges had been renewed. According to King, Pritt was not present but instead in Charleston with his companion as she was having a baby. Arraignment rescheduled for March 25th.                  As for Roger Dale Rogers, his attorney Barbara Schamberger had previously asked for a later date. Tied up with another case in Charleston. Moving right along, rescheduled for March 25th. The Glen area resident R.D. Rogers is charged with driving while revoked and driving (again) under the influence                  With paperwork now in order, Mark Stone heads for the front of the room with Kevin Duffy at his side. The 22 year old Lizemores resident asked for a trial this term of court. He stands charged with one count of breaking and entering a building other than a house and one count, grand larceny. Stone got his wish, May 25th, 9am for his trial date. Stone will be on PR bond until Monday, March 22nd when he has to post a $5000 surety bond or head off to jail.                  According to Bailiff Gene King, indicted Melissa Drake is in a hospital. Arraignment set for March 25th, 9am.                  The tall, thin 22 year old Dusty Pritt, now with properly being paid for David Karickhoff at his side, approached the bench. Pritt, “ don’ even know why I am here.”Always ready to make everything crystal clear, Judge Facemire read from the indictment. Pritt stood charged with breaking and entering and grand larceny from a March 3rd incident over at Ben Murphy’ place where a gum ball machine was swiped as were two 12-gauge shotguns, one double barrel shotgun, hand tools, and a Honda generator. Pritt started to speak up as Karickhoff went, “Shhhhhhhhh…” to his client. Pritt, as did all the others this morning, plead not guilty. Trial will be 9am, April 27th. Pritt has to post a $5000 surety bond by next Monday or off to jail he shall go. Throughout the proceeding, Pritt chewed his gum.                  That James Rogers II… wrong name. The guy’ real name is James Clifton Rogers. Appears to have been a clerical error. The 33 year old from Indore stands charged with wanton endangerment with a firearm. Setting quietly through most the proceedings, Grindo, on when to try the case, “his term your honor.”His case will be heard next term of court with James Clifton Rogers out on a $10,000 surety bond.                  Confusion came next. Lucy Cruickshanks and Gene King spoke with Circuit Clerk Asbury. Attorneys milled and whispered around briefly. Over to the side, Kevin Duffy and Michael Farber fiddled with a tiny portable DVD player. Grins came with the earphone in place. Wayne King looked for a wall outlet to plug the device in to.                  Just before 10am it appeared that Judge Facemire was a little irked with Grindo. Something about needing to take time to see if his witnesses were ready.                  With arraignments done other issues were brought before the court.                  Dressed in orange and in shackles, a short thin , blonde headed Denzil Pritt. Before the court was when to try the guy on charges of breaking and entering. Based on the look given Grindo by the robed one, looks like something is messed up with the case as to whether the charges will be tried separately or together. With no bond in sight, Pritt headed back to Central Regional Jail. Ernest Skaggs represented the young man.                  And then what makes Clayberry so famous. Time to dismiss cases! First, Thomas Franklin King. Grindo asked that charges be dismissed since three terms of court have come and gone without a trial. Based on the law of the land, Judge Facemire obliged.                  Kevin Duffy asked for the charges against a Mark Allan Nichols be dismissed based on the three term rule and nothing done. Grindo provided a written order for the dismissal. Little frown lines were seen on Facemire’ face. After mentioning this case was first brought forth in 2001, Facemire again oked the dismissal.                  Another name (we missed this one readers, sorry) was brought before the court. Jerome Novobilski, “he state did not prosecute.”Grindo, “he three term rule your honor.”Facemire, a deeper than usual breath, “K. The court will grant the motion reluctantly.”                  Pregnant Samantha Naylor came to the center of the room with Wayne King asking for a trial date. Date given: May 18th 9am.                  Mary L White is now in a nursing home and in bad health. Her court date had already been set ( maybe April 30, 9am). Novobilski seemed to ask the court what the Prosecutor planned to do and if he had made any plans to take legal action against the lady. Grindo replied that if he thought White was staying at the nursing home indefinitely, he may drop the charges against her. NOTE: this appears to be the case where White allegedly had a bunch of animals tied up, locked up, and malnourished.                  Once again Facemire encouraged Grindo to get on with the work of the state as delays were asked for. Facemire, “Let’ not] languish around, I don’ want to.” To this ace cub reporter, it sounded like a slap on the wrist.                  In a civil matter, United Bank sought and got the court’ favor in United Bank vs. Henry L White. As we heard it, White bough a 2001 Chevy truck from Bob Peden Chevy and shortly thereafter the truck was totaled, a complete loss. After settlement with GEICO insurance, there remained a $4000 outstanding balance. With Mr. White very ill and not present, Facemire rendered summary judgment in favor of the mega national, United Bank. With his deed done, the young attorney left the room as comments came on insurance tactics where vehicles are under valued during settlements. Prior to this hearing, a Clay County Magistrate ruled in favor of Mr. White. During that process, the Magistrate openly expressed views that the insurance company should have covered the whole loss and how could it be possible that a vehicle could loose $4000 in value in just 4 months.                  By 11 am, the public was told to skid addle as juvenile matters were to be discussed. Seeing several youthful faces around the courtroom and just outside, Facemire appeared to have a bunch more work before him.                  One last note from the Thursday morning action. As those cases were being dismissed, some of the lawyers present appeared to hang their head low. It appeared that they knew, this was not justice being served. And finally, twice during the dismissal action, Grindo commented that the cases were here before his short 12 month term of service. Sort of “It’ not my fault”                                          AW